In support to the food safety compliance of food processing firms in Ifugao, the Cordillera office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-CAR) through the Provincial Science and Technology Office–Ifugao, intensified its technical assistance through the conduct of onsite assessment as part of the Technical Consultancy Services Program on Food Safety on October 19-20, 2022.
The team led by Provincial Science and Technology Director Engr. Genna B. Jallorina, along with the hired Consultant Engr. Remedios T. Cadaon of the WQA Phil. Inc., assessed the existing production areas, processes and documentations of the following firms: Granary Bakery in Banaue, SR Food Corporation, Ibulao-Ibulao Bed & Breakfast, Sharon’s Bread in Kiangan, Uncle Doods Bakeshop in Lamut and 5 Bro’s Enterprise in Aguinaldo.
During the first visit of the 6-month duration of the technical consultancy, Cadaon is expected to assess, analyze, and evaluate the current status of the said firms and identify possible productivity improvement areas/concerns. The findings and recommendations are essential to further improve the firms’ operation and prepare them for their FDA’s and License-to-Operate (LTO) application.
As one of the identified immediate needs of the firm-beneficiaries, a training on Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices is also scheduled in the last week of November to capacitate the firms’ manpower and strengthen good practices on proper food handling and processes.
This undertaking is covered by the Commitment Contract that was previously signed between the firms, which are cooperators of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and the WQA Phil. Inc. through Cadaon on August 01, 2022.